[1] Aside from his work in local government, Johnstone also runs his blog, Ask Pat, where he writes about city council proceedings from his perspective and responds to online questions submitted by members of the public.
On occasion, Johnstone will also set up an Ask Pat booth at local gatherings where he answers questions and speaks with members of the public.
[citation needed] Prior to entering politics, Johnstone worked as a project scientist for SNC-Lavalin from 2005 to 2009, and became the environmental coordinator for the City of Richmond in 2009.
[2] Jonhstone also got involved in his neighbourhood's Brow of the Hill Residents’ Association, the Royal City Curling Club, and began writing his blog.
[3] After many years of working for various municipalities in Metro Vancouver, Johnstone decided to enter politics by running for New Westminster City Council in the 2014 election.